The Role of Medical Technology in Quality of Life - Stoma/Ostomy
Ostomy or stoma surgery brings a portion of the gastrointestinal or urinary tract to the surface of the abdomen, where an ostomy pouching system attaches to the skin and collects either urine or feces.
More than 1 million people in North America live with a permanent ostomy in response to a variety of conditions, including cancer and certain gastrointestinal diseases.1,2
Newer, sophisticated ostomy bags and accompanying component pieces form a more complete seal around the stoma, reducing leakage that can cause skin breakdown—ultimately leading to a more positive body image and quality of life for patients.3
These improved technologies can help prevent ostomy complications, such as peristomal skin complications (PSCs), including skin irritation and breakdown due to bag leakage, which create an added economic burden to the health care system.
In one analysis, costs for ostomy components that aid in the prevention of complications – reduced leakage, odor, and pain – were offset in whole or in part by a lower incidence of PSCs, leading to better outcomes and quality of life for patients.4
[1] Maydick DR. Individuals with a permanent ostomy: quality of life and out-of-pocket financial costs for ostomy management. Nurs Econ. 2014 ; 32 (4): 204-218.
[2] Mitchell KA, Rawl SM, Schmidt CM, et al. Demographic, clinical, and quality of life variables related to embarrassment in veterans living with an intestinal stoma. J Wound Ostomy, Continence Nurs. 2007 ; 34 ( 5 ): 524-532.
[3] Thom R. Nichols, Michael Riemer, Body Image Perception, the Stoma, and Peristomal Skin Condition, Journal of GastroIntestinal Nursing, 9 (1): 22 - 27 Feb 2011.
[4] Nancy Neil N, Inglese G, Manson A, Townshend A. A Cost-Utility Model of Care for Peristomal Skin Complications. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2015;00(00):1-7.
